Who was Jonathan Swift?
Satirist and Novelist. Date and Place of Birth: 30th November 1667, Dublin, Ireland. Family Background: His parents were both English. His father died before his birth. His sister and he were raised by his mother and three uncles. Education: Kilkenny School, Ireland. Trinity College, Dublin. Chronology/Biography of Jonathan Swift: 1682: Went to Trinity College, Dublin although he was never a very good student. 1686: Received his degree “speciali gratia” i.e. because of a special decree. Undaunted he stayed on to study for a higher degree. 1689: Moved to England due to political unrest in Ireland and worked as secretary to Sir William Temple at Moor Park, Farnham in Surrey. Temple an ex-diplomat needed someone to help him prepare his memoirs. The relationship between the two men was always difficult but Swift stayed with him for ten years. Whilst at Moor Park he had full access to the large, well-stocked library. He became the tutor to Esther Johnson the daughter of Temple’s housekeeper
